U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth publicly defended the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, describing the operation as a decisive move that will enhance American security while opening the door to long-term prosperity for both the United States and the Venezuelan people.

Speaking in a televised interview, Hegseth framed the January 3, 2026 operation as a necessary response to narco-terrorism, transnational drug cartels, and direct threats to U.S. energy interests. “America will benefit security wise and with prosperity,” Hegseth said, adding that the administration believes the Venezuelan people stand to gain as well once criminal governance is removed.

The operation marked one of the most expansive U.S. military actions in the Western Hemisphere in decades. According to defense officials, more than 150 aircraft operating from 20 U.S. bases participated in the coordinated mission, which resulted in Maduro’s capture and rapid transfer to U.S. custody. He has since been relocated to a detention facility in New York, where he faces long-standing federal charges tied to narco-trafficking and organized crime.

Notably, the operation was conducted without prior congressional authorization, underscoring the Trump administration’s willingness to act unilaterally when confronting what it defines as imminent threats to U.S. national security. Senior officials argue the scale and speed of the mission were essential to prevent retaliation, minimize civilian harm, and ensure operational success.

Hegseth emphasized that the action reflects a broader strategic shift, prioritizing threats in the Western Hemisphere after years of focus on distant conflicts. Administration officials contend that regimes involved in drug trafficking and attacks on American infrastructure represent direct dangers that demand immediate and overwhelming responses.

Supporters of the operation view the capture of Maduro as a turning point, signaling that leaders accused of using state power to facilitate criminal networks will no longer be shielded by sovereignty claims. For the Trump administration, the message is clear: hemispheric stability, energy security, and the rule of law are now central pillars of U.S. defense policy.